Reality Check: Looking At 2006 State Of The State Promises

Doyle To Give Speech Tuesday

In 2006, Gov. Jim Doyle proclaimed, "Wisconsin is moving forward." Yet a number of the programs that he proposed still haven't been completed.

With Doyle scheduled to give his annual State of the State speech on Tuesday night, here is a list of the major initiatives that Doyle proposed during last year's address:

Health Care

Last year, much of Doyle's focus was on health care, and the governor made some bold moves.

"In Wisconsin, every child will have access to health insurance by next year," said Doyle.

This promise remains a work in progress, WISC-TV reported.

Doyle proposed Badgercare Plus, a way to combine three state programs to give everyone a chance to buy insurance, regardless of income. The plan is currently awaiting federal approval. It is in Doyle's budget for February.

Despite the proposal, offering health care access to every child doesn't mean every child will have health care. Currently, half of the uninsured children in the state could be getting coverage, but their parents haven't signed them up.

"I'm calling on the Legislature to outlaw the practice of health care dumping," Doyle said last year. "Companies cannot be allowed to deliberately manipulate the system."

This move ultimately failed. Bills put forward by Democrats didn?t get a vote in the Republican-controlled Legislature last session.

Heating Assistance

"I propose an emergency heating assistance package to provide $6 million to families who make $40,000 a year or less," said Doyle.

This did pass, but the income ceiling was set at $34,000 instead of $40,000.

Education

Doyle also introduced last year the Wisconsin Covenant, a guarantee that any eighth-grade student who maintains a B- average and stays out of trouble could get into college.

This plan is in progress. The universities have agreed to the framework, but the funding would have to come in the next state budget, WISC-TV reported.

Check Channel 3000 for on Tuesday night for full coverage of the governor's State of the State address and a livestream of the speech.

Copyright 2012 by Channel 3000. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.